Mary McDonnell (2002)

Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times

This two-time Oscar nominee ("Passion Fish," "Dances with Wolves) earned her only Emmy nod to date for a five-episode arc as the mother of Dr. John Carter ( Noah Wyle). As Eleanor Carter, an unhappily married socialite, McDonnell delivered a multi-faceted performance.

This two-time Oscar nominee ("Passion Fish," "Dances with Wolves) earned her only Emmy nod to date for a five-episode arc as the mother of Dr. John Carter ( Noah Wyle). As Eleanor Carter, an unhappily married socialite, McDonnell delivered a multi-faceted performance. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

This two-time Oscar nominee ("Passion Fish," "Dances with Wolves) earned her only Emmy nod to date for a five-episode arc as the mother of Dr. John Carter ( Noah Wyle). As Eleanor Carter, an unhappily married socialite, McDonnell delivered a multi-faceted performance.